*No Specific training is required for any GIAC certification. There are many sources of information available regarding the certification objectives' knowledge areas. Practical experience is an option; there are also numerous books on the market covering Computer Information Security. Another option is any relevant courses from training providers, including SANS.*

Requirements

1 proctored exam

75 questions

Time limit of 2 hours

Minimum Passing Score of 66%

Note:

GIAC reserves the right to change the specifications for each certification without notice. Based on a scientific passing point study, the passing point for the passing point for the GCWN exam has been determined to be 66% for all candidates receiving access to their certification attempts on or after 10/26/2012. To verify the format of your current certification attempt, please read the Certification Information found in your portal account at https://exams.giac.org/pages/attempts.

Renew

Delivery

NOTE: All GIAC exams are delivered through proctored test centers and must be scheduled in advance.
GIAC certification attempts will be activated in your GIAC account after your application has been approved and according to the terms of your purchase. Details on delivery will be provided along with your registration confirmation upon payment. You will receive an email notification when your certification attempt has been activated in your account. You will have 120 days from the date of activation to complete your certification attempt. GIAC exams must be proctored through Pearson VUE. Please click the following link for instructions on How to Schedule Your GIAC Proctored Exam http://www.giac.org/information/schedule_proctored_exam.pdf. GIAC exams are delivered online through a standard web browser.

Links

Bulletin (Part 2 of Candidate Handbook)

Exam Certification Objectives & Outcome Statements

The topic areas for each exam part follow:

Dynamic Access Control

The candidate will be able to plan and implement a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution using the built-in Dynamic Access Control features in Windows Server, including the use of file classification tagging and claims-based access control.

Operating System and Applications Hardening

The candidate will be able to plan and implement a comprehensive hardening strategy for the Windows operating system and other popular applications which are vulnerable to client-side exploits, using techniques such as patch management, application whitelisting, applying security templates through Group Policy, UEFI Secure Boot, and whole drive encryption with BitLocker.

PKI Management

The candidate will be able to plan and implement a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) using Windows Server for the sake of secure authentication, smart cards, data encryption, and digital signatures.

Restricting Administrative Compromise

The candidate will be able to plan and implement a strategy to reduce how often hackers or malware can compromise administrative accounts and to reduce the harm which follows from an administrative compromise, using techniques such as constrained delegation of authority, role-based access control, limiting unnecessary privileges, secure authentication, and proper management of service accounts and scheduled tasks.

Securing Network Traffic and Ports

The candidate will be able to plan and implement a strategy to secure vulnerable network protocols and listening ports, using techniques such as IPSec port permissions, IPSec payload encryption without a VPN, host-based firewalling, Group Policy management of firewall and IPSec rules, and certificate-based authentication to wireless access points and Ethernet switches (PEAP-TLS) using RADIUS servers.

Securing PowerShell

The candidate will be able to plan and implement a strategy to secure the use of PowerShell, including execution policy, code signing, and User Account Control restrictions.

Where to Get Help

Training is available from a variety of resources including on line, course attendance at a live conference, and
self study.

Practical experience is another way to ensure that you have mastered the skills necessary for certification.
Many professionals have the experience to meet the certification objectives identified.

Finally, college level courses or study through another program may meet the needs for mastery.